This Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese mixes creamy cheese with zesty buffalo chicken, making it a tasty comfort food! It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
I love how this dish brings together the best of both worlds—mac and cheese comfort with a spicy kick! Plus, it’s one of those meals that even picky eaters enjoy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese, but cavatappi is a fun choice too! If you prefer gluten-free, try brown rice pasta or another gluten-free variety.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that perfect balance of heat and flavor. For a milder option, use barbecue sauce or a homemade buffalo sauce with less hot sauce.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang. If you want a twist, mix in pepper jack or gouda for extra flavor. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt for a similar texture without the heaviness.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is key for mac and cheese. Watching the temperature is vital! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by making a roux with butter and flour. Whisk it for just 1-2 minutes to avoid browning.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking. This prevents lumps. Keep whisking until it thickens!
- Lower the heat before adding cream cheese and cheddar. This helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.
Remember, patience pays off, and if the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash more milk to loosen it up! Enjoy your creamy creation!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta, followed by making the cheese sauce and putting everything together. It’s a quick, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take a large bowl and mix the cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce and then set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour while whisking continually for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux—make sure it doesn’t brown.
4. Add Milk and Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Cheddar:
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and the mixture is smooth. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce:
Once the cheese sauce is ready, remove it from heat. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
7. Mix in Buffalo Chicken:
Gently fold in the buffalo chicken, making sure to mix lightly to keep the chicken pieces intact but well combined with the pasta.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the buffalo chicken mac and cheese to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, and feel free to drizzle a bit more buffalo sauce on top if you like it spicier.
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, creamy buffalo chicken mac and cheese! It’s a delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just shred or chop it up and mix it with the buffalo sauce for an easy and delicious flavor boost.
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or substitute it with a barbecue sauce for a sweeter, less spicy flavor. You can also mix in a bit of ranch dressing for creaminess without the heat!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken mac and cheese ahead of time! Just follow the recipe up to mixing the pasta and cheese sauce, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Mac and Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk if necessary to maintain a creamy texture.
